I want to discuss how the sexes shop in such different ways when it comes to purchasing a car. I really think this has a direct connection between what features we consider when buying. What cars fit the mold for both in my book? Which ones are opposite extremes? Let's discuss!

Men dig big trucks whereas women are in love with cute cars like VW Bugs. Yes, these are generalizations but then again so is our society, right? As many of us that contradict the stereotypes of the world, there are ten to replace us as the ones that establish the generalizations in the first place.

Guys and fast cars, a common combination

Let me list off some of the common interests of men in new car buying. Men shop by two categories; big or fast. Can I really sum it up like that? Yes! There are guys who buy a truck rather to suit an active lifestyle of surfing, camping, dirt biking or for the work site and such. If he's not driving a truck, he's probably driving something with power and/or performance. These cars might be anything from a BMW, Benz and Acura to an Evo, 350z or Vette. How many guys do you know (excluding Dad's) that drive a simple sedan or maybe a neat little Volvo wagon?

The sweet Volvo S60 R

Now we move on to the ladies. Women shop wisely when it comes to a car. The top of the list is safety, comfort and features. I know women that buy Volvo's simply because they have a long standing reputation for safety. Others I have met purchased a vehicle because it had heated seats, navigation or seat anchors for future baby seats. These rules cross all brands but some popular styles are: any oversized SUV, any kind of wagon and of course the common sedan.

Do vehicles exist that cater to both sides? Yes, I believe such companies as BMW, Mercedes and Chrysler do excellent at bringing both performance, power and safety to the table. Even I would take an R type Volvo home as a great all-around auto for the family. Another "meet in the middle" style is the ever popular cross-over makes like the hot new Ford Edge. Either way, it's all good. Buy it if you like it and drive it like it's hot.

I was recently invited by Toyota's advertising group to come experience the wonderful world of Toyota hybrids. Toyota has decided to take what they preach to the street. What do they preach you ask? Why to confront the the world's energy challenge, of course. Being open to anything related to automotive, I was game!

When I think of automotive companies out to make a difference I think of Mercedes with their BlueTec diesels, GM with their Volt electric car and of course the ever so familiar Toyota Prius. The Toyota Prius took Southern California's roads by storm when the car was approved to be used in the HOV lane due to it's great gas mileage and envoro-friendly design. The vehicle was already made popular in Northern California when it first hit the dealerships thanks in big part to the huppies (part hippie, part yuppie).

The 53', all inclusive rig

The Toyota Highway to the Future mobile hybrid experience was designed to share with the public what impact or "fingerprint" we leave on the earth. This highly interactive experience walks you through the world of energy uses, types and sources. You start off with finding out how much you, the consumer effects the environment by your use of energy.

One of two Toyota Prius virtual machines

One of the exhibits I found fascinating was the breakdown of specific energy sources on a global map. Another feature were two virtual cars designed to help you experience the Hybrid auto. The thing I found nice was that the exhibit was designed for interaction of all ages. It is always neat to see a 13yr. old next to her 67yr. old grandfather learning the same thing.

This exhibit was an excellent experience even for an industry insider like myself. I tried not to critique so much in my head as I know some things on the topic may be too advanced for "Joe public". In conclusion; I still find myself favoring short-term resolutions like bio-diesel or multi-displacement systems but do see a future of hybrids such as these. I give Toyota a nod for not making the experience a sales pitch. very few things inside the exhibit referred to Toyota in specific.

Time seemed to fly leading up to track day. To save getting up at 5am, our video producer, Anthony Plascencia and I drove out Friday afternoon. It was like a road trip to Disneyland for Anthony being this was his first track event. Lancaster is where the “preferred� lodging for Willow Springs Raceway is located. We end up at Best Western of Antelope Valley, a “quaint� hotel. No complaints here as the room came with 2 free drinks per person and a complimentary hot breakfast in the morning. The highlight of our stay was the priceless lounge singer, but that’s a whole other story in itself!

After a good night’s sleep and a stomach full of grub, Anthony and I jumped in the Goat and headed 17 miles North up Hwy 14 to the small town of Rosamond. When driving out to the raceway you can actually see Horse Thief Mile track on the foothills. This is one of 7 tracks at Willow Springs Park. As we turned down to the track I noticed the Playboy Racing Team’s 18-wheeler parked out in front of the main gate. The whole park was alive with a national’s race on the Kart track, hot laps on the big track and the Porsche club over on the Streets of Willow.

BDX 1 and 2 by the BDX Mobil Training trailer

We made our way through the pits to where Allan and his team were holding the driver’s meeting. This is where they teach the driver’s some excellent insights on proper driving style and insides on what “lines� to take on the track. Many of the drivers have never stepped foot on a closed course until today. After the meeting the driver’s are addressed one at a time by the instructors on safety, and rules of the track. Such things as floor mats and cd cases are removed as well as spare tires and any other potentially unsecured items in the vehicle. You wouldn’t think of an Ipod as dangerous until it flies out of its cradle at 126mph!

Vern Alstot of Ventura prepping his new GT500 for the track

Upon walking through the pit I came across a beautiful red and white striped 2007 Shelby GT500. As I walked up I was greeted by a very nice and proud owner, Vern Alstot. Talk about a cool guy, before even introducing myself he offered a run around the track, how could I refuse. I shared that I was with The Star and asked if we could follow his experience throughout the day. He gladly accepted and was quick to mention he worked with us before, sending the first shots of the recent Day Fire.

I quickly learned that Vern is actually a Battalion Chief for Ventura City Fire Department and a fellow gearhead. “I never been out here so it’s a new experience for me� said Vern as he taped off the nose of his car for protection and decreased drag. Vern explained that he was waiting for the new Mustang GT when he found out that the GT500 was being released. “What made you want the GT500?� I asked to which he explained “I have a “67 (Mustang) convertible at home, I’m a big fan�. Come to find out that Vern waited 14 months for his new toy and started out 14th on the list but ended up being the 4th to get one.

Vern's 'Stang taped up and ready to run

Mid-way through the morning most of the 13 drivers really started getting the hang of the track. We followed Vern’s progress as he built up his speed and line on the 2.5 mile course. Between runs Chris, one of Barber’s instructors, approached Vern and asked if he was ready for his “one-on-one�. We installed a chase cam in Vern’s car to follow the action as he drove with the instructor. As Vern started out on his lap all was well until turn 5. All of a sudden we see a large cloud of dust and cars slowing at “the rabbit ear�. The back-end came around and Vern spun off turn 5, luckily not hitting anything or anyone.

BDX's Dawn Ferguson looks on as tire temp. is taken after "the spin out"

As Vern came back into the pits we saw how dusty things got on the hill. Vern seemed a little shaken but upon finding only minimum damage done, he was very thankful to be alive. What does one say to a first-timer that spins out? “That’s why you brought it to the track� was the only thing I could think of. Vern was quick to agree that what better place to learn the limits of the car than a day at the track. After a quick cleaning, Vern was back out on the track ready to prove that the best thing to when you fall of a horse is get right back on. All the drivers felt as though they took a lot from the day and agreed the training and the track time was a tremendous help. The day was simply summed up when Allan asked a client “will you be back?� at which point a loud response of “heck yeah!� was blurted out.

Check out our interview with Vern as well as the chase cam car footage in our video gallery: http://gallery.venturacountystar.com/video.cfm?VideoID=186

To find out more about Willow Springs visit:
http://www.willowspringsraceway.com

Want to learn your cars limits? join the guys at BDX:
http://www.barberdrivingexperience.com/

Looking for a track day? Go with the guys at Open Track Racing:
http://www.opentrackracing.com/

The Star of the Day

When I say American Muscle, what comes to mind? To some the first original muscle car, the 1964 Pontiac GTO while for others it might be the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro. Personal opinion aside, I think the Ford Mustang would top the list to this question. With the recent return to retro roots by Ford, many are returning to rekindle fond memories of this car they fell in love with years ago.

Now my clients know my past connection to the Mustang and how much of a soft spot I have for them. One of those clients and friends is Joel Simon of Barber VW. Joel told me I really need to meet Allan over at the Ford store and was confident we would get along great. Another friend whom felt the same actually introduced me and the gearhead conversations flew! It’s hard to explain to some but meeting another gearhead is like meeting someone from the small town you grew up in. That person that knows all the same places and all the same people. It’s an instantaneous friendship that revolves around words like “apex� and un-sprung weight�.

BDX's Chief Instructor and fellow gearhead, Allan Crocket

Recently our typical weekly conversation was sparked with Allan stating he had an upcoming track day and wanted to know if I would like to join. Allan is the chief instructor of Barber Driving Experience and holds track events several times throughout the year. Once he uttered the words “Willow Springs� and “Mustangs�, I was in. Having grown up in Northern California, our local tracks were Sears Point and Laguna Seca. Even my ten years in San Luis Obispo were spent mostly at Buttonwillow Raceway. The one track I heard of but never got to run was the coveted Willow Springs. Now, partner this up with a track day revolved around the most powerful Mustang ever built and I’m in heaven.

I thought this was a perfect opportunity to introduce the star car of this event, the new Ford Shelby GT500. As of 2007, this model is the top stallion of Mustang's sub-model corral. Let’s spend a few minutes and review what makes a Shelby GT500 so special. The biggest mod is a 5.4-liter hand-built V8 under a nice, functional vented hood that makes a true 500+ horsepower, with 480 pound-feet of torque.Equipped with an aluminum block, wet-sump oil system and an Eaton "screw-type" supercharger creating 9 psi of boost. The SVT guys even stole a few items from the Ford GT parts bin including the aluminum heads.

Our star of the day, the Mustang Shelby GT500

If there's a downside to this car, it's weight. Coming in at 3,920 pounds, 350 pounds over the GT, this car needs to call Jenny Craig! Other major differences from GT to GT500 are; stiffer front struts, higher spring rates, beefier 4 piston Brembo brakes, custom trim, interior, badges and ground effects. Put all these things together and you have an excellent formula for a true American muscle car that is suited for a night on the town or a day at the track. I was lucky enough to verify this first hand.

Often times I look back at those little things my parents taught me as a teen and track day is one of those times. “Be sure to wear your helmet� or “always use your mirrors� even “stop doing donuts in the car Lance�. One thing that not only I, but Allen takes very serious is safety. I spent a morning with Allen at the shop to discuss both the new GT500 and the BDX Mustang (soon to be seen at the video gallery on VenturaCountyStar.com). The BDX Mustangs are “one offs’ built custom by Allen and his team at Barber Ford. While they might not pack the same punch as the GT500, they're a lot of bang for a bit less buck. We went through a few cars and he explained how everything from brakes to air pressure, even seat positioning are discussed prior to touching the track.

Next week... Taking it to The Track.

Learn more about Allan and the Barber Driving Experience at http://www.barberdrivingexperience.com